As the air turns crisp and leaves paint the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, our kitchens naturally begin to crave the comforting flavors of the season. Consequently, we look for recipes that are not only delicious but also embody the cozy essence of fall. This is precisely where our Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe comes in. This dish is a beautiful celebration of harvest ingredients, combining the earthy sweetness of carrots with the tart crispness of fresh apples. Furthermore, everything is coated in a sublime maple Dijon glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. In short, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both a simple weeknight dinner and a show-stopping holiday side. Get ready to fill your home with the most incredible aroma and treat your family to a side dish they will ask for again and again.
Why This Is the Perfect Autumn Side Dish
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this simple yet elegant dish. First and foremost, the flavor combination is truly exceptional. The natural sweetness of the maple syrup perfectly balances the tangy, sharp notes of the Dijon mustard. Subsequently, this glaze enhances the inherent sweetness of the roasted carrots and apples, creating a complex and deeply satisfying taste. The addition of fresh thyme also introduces a subtle, woodsy aroma that ties all the fall flavors together beautifully. In addition to its amazing taste, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward.
Moreover, its simplicity is a major selling point. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can have this dish in the oven, allowing you to focus on your main course or simply relax. Because it’s a one-pan recipe, cleanup is an absolute breeze, which is always a bonus, especially during busy holiday seasons. The versatility of this Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe is another key benefit. It pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and pork loin to a Thanksgiving turkey. Therefore, whether you’re planning a casual family meal or a formal gathering, this dish fits in seamlessly.
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Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe: The 7 Ultimate Steps for a Perfect Side Dish
A cozy autumn side dish featuring roasted apples and carrots glazed with maple syrup and Dijon mustard, enhanced by aromatic thyme.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1.5 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
2 firm apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady), cored and chopped into 1-inch chunks
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (smooth or whole grain)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, stems removed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss chopped carrots and apples with the maple Dijon glaze until evenly coated.
4. Spread the mixture in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, using two sheets if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
5. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove and flip the pieces with a spatula.
6. Return to oven and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
7. Remove from oven, garnish with extra thyme if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala to maintain texture during roasting. Rainbow carrots can add vibrant color. Make ahead by chopping carrots and preparing the glaze in advance—just chop apples right before roasting. Add toasted pecans, red onion, or spices like cinnamon for variation. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat easily.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients for the Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots Recipe
To create this delightful dish, you will need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. The quality of your produce will significantly impact the final result; therefore, try to use the freshest ingredients available. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Carrots: About 1.5 pounds, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces. Carrots provide a sweet, earthy base that becomes even more delicious when roasted.
- Apples: Two medium-sized, firm apples, cored and chopped into 1-inch chunks. It’s important to choose the right variety for the best texture.
- Olive Oil: Three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to help with caramelization and prevent sticking.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Two tablespoons for that signature sweet, amber flavor. Be sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best taste.
- Dijon Mustard: One tablespoon of Dijon mustard adds a tangy and savory counterpoint to the sweetness. You can use whole grain or smooth, depending on your preference.
- Fresh Thyme: One tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, removed from the stem. This herb adds a wonderful aromatic and earthy note.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Choosing the Best Apples and Carrots
The type of apple you choose is particularly important for this roasted apples and carrots recipe. You’ll want a firm variety that holds its shape well during roasting and doesn’t turn to mush. For instance, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Gala, or Pink Lady apples are all excellent choices because they offer a great balance of sweet and tart flavors. On the other hand, you should generally avoid softer apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh for this specific preparation. As for the carrots, standard orange carrots work perfectly well. However, if you want to add a beautiful visual touch to the dish, consider using rainbow carrots, which bring lovely shades of purple, yellow, and white to the pan.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe
Following these simple steps will ensure your roasted apples and carrots turn out perfectly every time. The process is incredibly easy and yields a dish that tastes like it took much more effort.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This also prevents the glaze from sticking and burning on the pan.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is well-combined and emulsified.
- Combine Ingredients: Next, place the chopped carrots and apples into a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared maple Dijon glaze over them. Using a large spoon or your hands, toss everything together until the apples and carrots are evenly coated in the delicious glaze.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: After that, spread the coated apples and carrots in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. It is crucial not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the vegetables will steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the pan, flip the apples and carrots with a spatula, and return it to the oven.
- Final Roasting: Continue to roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and everything is beautifully caramelized and lightly browned at the edges.
- Serve and Enjoy: Finally, remove the pan from the oven. You can garnish with a little extra fresh thyme if you like. Serve the Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots warm and enjoy the incredible flavors.
Tips and Variations for Success
While this Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe is quite simple, a few extra tips can elevate it even further. Additionally, we’ve included some fun variations so you can customize the dish to your liking.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you’re planning for a big meal, especially around the holidays, you can certainly do some prep in advance. For example, you can peel and chop the carrots a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The maple Dijon glaze can also be whisked together and stored in a sealed jar in the fridge. However, it is best to chop the apples just before you are ready to roast to prevent them from browning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Fun Variations to Try
This recipe serves as a wonderful base for creativity. Consequently, feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Nuts: For a delightful crunch, toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Include Other Root Vegetables: Parsnips or sweet potatoes make a wonderful addition. Simply chop them to the same size as the carrots and roast them alongside.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for an even warmer, more festive flavor profile that complements the apples beautifully.
- Introduce Onions: Adding a chopped red onion to the mix provides another layer of savory flavor that caramelizes wonderfully during roasting.
What to Serve with Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots
This versatile side dish complements a wide array of main courses. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a particularly fantastic partner for roasted meats. For instance, it is absolutely perfect alongside a roasted chicken, a juicy pork tenderloin, or a glazed ham. During the holidays, this dish is a must-have on the Thanksgiving table. It provides a bright, flavorful contrast to richer dishes. If you’re building a holiday menu, consider pairing it with other classic sides. For more ideas, you can explore this list of the Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes. Furthermore, its flavors work harmoniously with other fall-inspired recipes like our delicious Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, creating a truly memorable and cohesive meal.
Nutritional Spotlight
Beyond being incredibly tasty, this dish is also packed with nutrients, thanks to its wholesome ingredients. Carrots are famously rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. According to Healthline, this vitamin is essential for good vision, immune function, and cell growth. Moreover, carrots are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion.
Apples are another nutritional powerhouse. They are packed with fiber and antioxidants. As noted by experts at WebMD, the fiber in apples can help manage blood sugar levels and promote a feeling of fullness. Using pure maple syrup as a sweetener is also a better choice than refined sugar, as it contains minerals and antioxidants. Therefore, you can feel good about serving this delicious and healthy Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe to your loved ones.
Conclusion About Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe
In conclusion, the Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe is the perfect way to embrace the flavors of the season. It’s an incredibly simple, yet elegant side dish that delivers a wonderful combination of sweet and savory notes. Furthermore, its ease of preparation and versatility make it a go-to choice for any occasion, from a quiet weeknight dinner to a festive holiday feast. By following this straightforward recipe, you are guaranteed to have a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish. We hope you and your family enjoy every last bite of this comforting fall classic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe
Can I use a different kind of apple?
Yes, you can. However, for the best results, it’s important to use a firm apple variety that will hold its shape when roasted. Excellent choices include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Gala, and Jonagold. It’s best to avoid softer apples like McIntosh or Red Delicious, as they tend to become mushy.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
Absolutely. If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, you can substitute it with dried thyme. The general rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh ones. Therefore, for this recipe, you would use about one teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can either warm them in the microwave for a minute or two, or for best results, spread them on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Is this Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is! All of the ingredients used in this recipe—apples, carrots, olive oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and spices—are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check the label on your Dijon mustard if you have a severe allergy, though most brands are gluten-free.
